On the eve of the release of Suriya`s 2D Entertainment`s second production venture Pasanga 2`, we caught up with the dashing superstar who has given us some all important insights about the film, his forthcoming 24` and also measures that he is taking for bringing together Chennaites on a single platform to find long term solutions and preventive measures from calamities.

What inspired you to venture into production ?

As my family and friends are into production I know the risk involved and when I ventured into the business starting 2D Entertainment, listened close to 60 scripts before deciding that low budget films can also make a big impact. I also looked for the segment where there is a vacuum and found that women centric films were few and far between and also felt that there should be more films for kids and that is how `36 Vayadhinile` and Pasanga 2` happened. I watched the film only last night and I was amazed that it is a simple story that takes us into the world of Chennai kids.

When Pandiraj approached you, did you think that he came for a film with you as the lead?

No, he informed me that it is in fact a children`s film and to one of my sets and narrated the story. Usually I listen to scripts quite seriously, but Pandiraj`s narration was so fresh and entertaining and I burst out laughing and he has delivered the film exactly as he had narrated.

Tell us about your role

It is a simple role. The center stage in Pasanga 2` is taken by the kids, especially Vishesh and Sri Vaishnavi who have done an excellent job. We have seen kids shine in many films, but in this one the emotions of the kids are shown throughout and Pandiraj has trained each one of them for the past one and a half years and when I saw the film I wondered how he created this magic. I play a supporting character in this film and so has Amala Paul, Muniskanth and Karthik Kumar, we all stand in the background with the kids in the forefront. Pandiraj challenged me in the shooting by asking me to do a Robin Williams or Nagesh to make the children laugh and in spite of me being a serious person unlike Jyothika I did it and one or two new dimensions is present.

What is the difference between acting with experienced hands and fresh ones?

As far as working with kids we don`t know if the 36th take or the 37th take will be ok and furthermore their attention span is only about 30 seconds and Sri Vaishnavi for example told us that she only likes to laugh and questioned us why we were trying to make her cry and this was after thirty days of shooting with her. We understood that that was their world and we have to wait for the moment when they feel like performing. In fact in this movie the kids' performance is the highlight.

For the kids you are a big star and how did they react to you?

It was not the case with them as they are all about five or six and they only know a couple of my films and the last release of my is what they connect me with. In fact, my own son thinks I have done only two films. I am happy that these kids mingled with me well and I was also very comfortable with them, especially a girl called Tejas whose smile is so magical that we decided to finish the picture with a shot of her smile.

Have you drawn parallels with your own life regarding understanding of your kids worlds as in Pasanga 2?

There is a lot as we all have peer pressures in our careers to achieve better than the others and similarly even for a 1st standard student there is pressure to get more marks or stars or even wanting a boy or a girl to become his/her friend or in sports run faster than his rival. How well we understand the kids worl d is very important and I myself am not claiming to be the perfect dad and from feedbacks from Jo I understand that more time should be spent with our children. It is very important for both the parents to spend quality time with their children at least till they are eight years old whatever be our social status or even if grandparents are available to take care of them and that is the message we try to drive home in Pasanga 2`. The issue is that children nowadays are so restricted to four walls and we have to create space for them to have outdoor activities and marks should not be the only criteria. Every kid has a special talent which is their own individual gift which should be nurtured.

Are you afraid that your kids will question you after seeing Pasanga 2`?

I am transparent with them as I tell them what mistakes I do in films also and I make it clear to them that many dads do it and it is wrong and that I will correct myself and also try to advise others of the same. Even Pandiraj was worried that his son will question him as there are scenes in the film that have happened in the director`s house.

Tell us about your cinematographer Balasubramaniam…

I call him Kanmani from the time we worked together in Pitha Magan` and Unnai Ninaithu` and after a long gap we are getting together in Pasanga 2`. He and Pandiraj have collaborated in Ithu Namma Aalu`, Kathakali` and Pasanga 2` and they share great vibes. Balu was sure that this one should come out as a colourful film and in spite of budget constraints he has made sure that it does not show by way of his visuals, choice of colors and showing everyone aesthetically using drone shots and what is more both his sons have also acted in the movie.

Your thoughts about the Rise of Chennai during the floods

The day the rainfall was at its peak I was stuck in Indonesia for three days as there were no flights to Chennai and thanks to twitter I was in touch and Agaram Foundation was in full action and I will proudly say that the volunteers have given Chennai a new identity and it is immensely important that we don`t stop here and now that the rehab is happening I feel that everyone who came did not come due to sympathy but due to love and all of us should join together and execute a plan to see what Chennai needs in the future. We are trying to bring all the likeminded people on one platform and in January 2nd and 3rd 2016 YATHUM OOREY a conference is scheduled at St. Beads School Auditorium to which all are welcome who want to make a difference to the environment and who can help to preserve water bodies.

`36 Vayadhinile` and Pasanga 2` are both uniquely different films what can we expect from 24`?

I see the film as a new experience in the capacity of a producer, actor and as an audience it is that unique. When